Expositional Preaching (What Is a Healthy Church?)

This blog exists to help us keep reflecting on God's Word beyond Sunday morning. Each week, we’ll take time to revisit key truths from the sermon and consider how they apply to our daily lives.

This week, we’re focusing on the importance of *expository preaching*—the faithful, verse-by-verse proclamation of Scripture—and why it matters in the life of our church. As we reflect, let’s also ask: *How should we respond when God’s Word is faithfully preached?

In a world where truth seems increasingly elusive, there's an unwavering source of wisdom and guidance that has stood the test of time - God's Word. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, the Bible remains a beacon of light, offering not just comfort but transformation.

At the heart of a healthy church lies a commitment to the faithful preaching and teaching of Scripture. This isn't about motivational speeches or feel-good messages; it's about diving deep into the truth of God's Word, allowing it to challenge, convict, and ultimately change us.

The apostle Paul, writing to his protégé Timothy, emphasized this crucial point: "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching" (2 Timothy 4:2). This charge rings as true today as it did centuries ago. But what does it mean for us, and why is it so vital?

Firstly, the expositional preaching of God's Word - that is, preaching that faithfully explains and applies the main idea of a biblical text - has the power to transform congregations into Christ-likeness. It's not about a pastor's charisma or ability to entertain; it's about allowing God's truth to penetrate hearts and minds, molding us more and more into the image of Jesus.

This transformation isn't always comfortable. Sometimes, the truth of Scripture challenges our deeply held beliefs or exposes areas of sin in our lives. But as Paul reminds us, this process of "reproof, rebuke, and exhortation" is necessary for our growth. It's like pruning a plant - while it may seem harsh in the moment, it ultimately leads to greater fruitfulness.

Secondly, a commitment to biblical preaching guards the church against false teaching. Paul warns that "the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths" (2 Timothy 4:3-4). This prophecy feels eerily relevant in our current cultural climate, where relativism often reigns supreme and many seek out messages that simply affirm their existing beliefs.

In contrast, expositional preaching anchors us in the timeless truths of Scripture. It builds in us a biblical worldview - a lens through which we can evaluate the myriad of messages bombarding us daily. When we're grounded in God's Word, we're better equipped to discern truth from error, resisting the allure of false teachings that may sound appealing but ultimately lead us astray.

Lastly, faithful biblical preaching equips the congregation to evangelize the lost. The Great Commission - Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations - isn't just for pastors or missionaries. It's a calling for every believer. But how can we share the good news if we don't know it well ourselves?

Regular exposure to sound biblical teaching deepens our understanding of the gospel and strengthens our ability to articulate it to others. It reminds us of the urgency of our mission, spurring us on to share Christ's love with those around us. As Paul exhorts Timothy, we too are called to "do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry" (2 Timothy 4:5).

This call to evangelism isn't always easy. It may involve suffering, as Paul acknowledges. But we're encouraged to "endure suffering" (2 Timothy 4:5), knowing that our temporary discomfort pales in comparison to the eternal significance of the gospel message we carry.

So, what does this mean for us practically? How do we respond to this call to prioritize God's Word in our lives and churches?

For those in church leadership, it means a renewed commitment to expositional preaching and teaching. It means resisting the temptation to water down the message or avoid difficult topics. It means trusting that God's Word, faithfully proclaimed, has the power to do its work in the hearts and minds of listeners.

For congregation members, it means coming to church with a posture of expectancy and engagement. It means listening not just for practical tips or emotional uplift, but for the voice of God speaking through His Word. It means being willing to be challenged, corrected, and changed by the truth we encounter.

For all believers, it means prioritizing personal time in Scripture. It means approaching the Bible not as a mere religious text, but as the living and active Word of God, "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

It also means being ready to share the hope we have in Christ with others. If we know enough of the gospel to be saved by it, we know enough to share it. We don't need to have all the answers; we simply need to be faithful in pointing others to Jesus.

As we reflect on the power and importance of God's Word, let's challenge ourselves: Are we truly allowing Scripture to shape our lives and worldviews? Are we coming to church eager to hear God speak through the faithful preaching of His Word? Are we equipped and ready to share the gospel with those God has placed in our lives?

In a world of shifting sands, let's anchor ourselves firmly in the unchanging truth of God's Word. Let's commit to being part of churches that prioritize biblical preaching and teaching. And let's allow the transforming power of Scripture to work in us, making us more like Christ and equipping us to share His love with a world in desperate need of hope.

May we, like Timothy, heed the charge to be faithful to God's Word, knowing that as we do, we're participating in something far greater than ourselves - the building of Christ's church and the advancement of His kingdom.